Customs House wedding

There are some things you can never get wrong: avocado on toast for breakfast, a cold beer on a hot day and going classic Audrey Hepburn style at your wedding. Sharni and James did just that – channeling Ms Hepburn herself with a nod to the always fabulous Sinatra era, Sharni and James had a wedding that screamed simple elegant timeless stunning. This wedding was so super fabulous that it has already been broadcast on the ever popular Ms Polka Dot Bride websiteand it was also showcased by those incredible planning gurus white+white weddings and events on their website, which means I won’t interrupt your oohs and aahs with all of the details – check out the other posts for that. I give you Sharni and James – a ageless love, an affair to remember.

I don’t often get a chance to talk to our brides about all of the planning that leads up to the big day and if they are anything like me, planning is a HUGE part of the fun. (Hello! I’ve been planning our Christmas menu since MARCH!!!!) Thinking about what type of wedding you want, and then planning each details to me sounds like pure heaven. No wonder Pinterest is so popular! I spend WAY too much time there, pinning away to my heart’s content. Anyway when I asked Leila to give me some of the finer details from her amazing wedding day here is what she had to say:

“I wanted to create a wedding which portrayed timeless, soft elegance. Brendan and I intended on having a relaxed formal atmosphere, while creating a uniquely personal and memorable day for all guests. Our stationery was designed by Cara Marie Designs and really helped set the mood and get our guests excited by our upcoming nuptials.

I got ready at my parent’s home and I was surprised the morning was quite calm and I had no stress at all. The Powder Room (who were responsible for my hair and makeup) helped us get ready and the girls did an exceptional job!

The wedding ceremony was held at the beautiful Graceville Uniting Church. It was a very personal service and there certainly were tears between Brendan and I! Our wedding reception was held in the Grand Ballroom at Brisbane’s Marriott Hotel. Alyssandra, our personal Marriott wedding coordinator, was very professional and ensured our reception was perfectly organised. We had help with styling from Events & Settings and Styled Events who made the room look amazing! Our wedding cake was a lemon lime coconut cake by Deliberately Delicious. And oh my goodness it was SO yum!

Brendan and our groomsmen had tailored suits and elegant ties from Studio 196. My wedding gown was designed by Stella York. It featured French lace, a crystal bridal belt and a detailed scalloped edge on the bodice. My champagne wedding shoes were by Alan Pinkus.

All the flowers were by Bouquet Boutique. My bouquet consisted of purple hyacinths, lily of the valley, light antique roses, light purple roses, white sweet peas and freesias (the most beautiful flowers I have smelled and seen in my life!) My brothers and sister surprised me with a stunning Swarovski bracelet as a wedding gift and Brendan received a Mont Blanc belt.

As a recently graduated milliner I had put a lot of thought into my bridal headpiece and veil. I used leftover lace and tulle from my wedding gown to design lace headpiece featured scattered moonlight Swarovski crystals with tiny arrangements of pearls. I had designed my veil with a scalloped edge which matched the bodice of my gown perfectly.

We undertook dancing lessons at River City Ballroom, this was such a great idea as it was an enjoyable time-out together during busy weeks of work and wedding planning. Our wedding dance was a romantic Rumba and our wedding song was Keith Urban’s ‘Making Memories of Us’. Our parents were all in tears by the end! It was definitely a favourite part of our special night! Everyone was up and dancing by the end of our song, I think it really got everyone into the mood to dance and enjoy the reception! Our music was by GM DJ’s.

Our bonbonnieres were our family’s recipe for Dutch Ginger Shortbread. These were made by my mother and sister and were presented in a gift box monogrammed in a gold wax seal.

Thanks for sharing all the details Leila. And thanks Brendan and Leila for choosing us as your wedding photographers!